Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) has announced the appointment of Dr James Garner as its new chief executive officer and managing director.
Dr Garner will assume the roles on 7 August 2023. In the interim, he will immediately join the board as a non-executive director. Dr Charmaine Gittleson will assume the role of executive chairman until August.
This appointment follows the previously announced retirement of Mark Diamond.
Dr Garner has significant experience in drug development and commercialisation, acquired through regional and global roles in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. He has served in roles with Biogen, Progen Pharmaceuticals, Quintiles and Sanofi. Most recently, he was CEO of the clinical-stage oncology company Kazia Therapeutics.
“I am delighted that the robust and competitive process culminated in a leader of James’s calibre and in-depth skill set,” said Antisense Dr Gittleson.
“As we look to the future, the Board is confident James will leverage our momentum from the Phase IIb clinical study, and other ongoing activities, to enhance the Company’s position and create significant value for shareholders and all stakeholders. We look forward to working with him.”
“I am delighted to join Antisense at this very important point in the Company’s development,” said Dr Garner.
“We enjoy an exciting pipeline, an excellent team and world-class scientific collaborators. There is a profound unmet need for new treatment options in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and I look forward to working with the Board and the team to bring ATL1102 forward for children and their families who are affected by this devastating disease.”
Dr Gittleson added, “We are proud of the journey we have taken as a company with Mark, from the initial licensing of a promising molecule to now reaching the exciting milestone of re-entering the clinic in DMD. Our Phase IIb trial in Europe, coupled with the progress we are making in the US, is a testament to the dedication of our team, and we look forward to bringing this potentially life-changing therapy to patients in need.”
